Greek Sandwich Recipe

There's something magical about biting into a Greek Sandwich Recipe that instantly transports you to the sunny streets of Athens. The crisp vegetables, creamy tzatziki, and warm pita bread come together in perfect harmony. I've been making this Greek Sandwich Recipe for years, and it never fails to satisfy my cravings for something fresh, healthy, and absolutely delicious.

This Greek Sandwich Recipe is my go-to when I need a quick lunch or a light dinner that doesn't compromise on flavor. Whether you're packing lunch for work, serving up a fast dinner at home, or feeding hungry kids after school, this Greek Sandwich Recipe delivers every single time. The best part? You probably have most ingredients already in your fridge.

Why This Mediterranean Classic Never Gets Old

Greek sandwiches have been a staple of Mediterranean street food for generations, and there's a good reason they've stood the test of time. This Greek Sandwich Recipe brings together the freshest ingredients with bold, tangy flavors that make your taste buds dance. Unlike heavy, greasy fast food options, this sandwich leaves you feeling energized and satisfied.

What makes this Greek Sandwich Recipe truly special is its versatility. You can customize it based on what you have available, making it perfect for using up leftover grilled chicken or vegetables. The combination of cool, crisp veggies with warm pita and creamy sauces creates a texture contrast that's simply irresistible. This Greek Sandwich Recipe pairs beautifully with a simple Greek salad or some crispy oven-baked fries for a complete Mediterranean feast.

Jump to:

• Ingredients
• Instructions
• Expert Cooking Tips
• Recipe Variations & Substitutions
• Equipment Recommendations
• Storage & Meal Prep Tips
• The Mediterranean Secret That Changes Everything
• FAQ
• Bringing Mediterranean Flavors Home
• Related
• Pairing
• Greek Sandwich Recipe

Ingredients

For the Sandwich Base:

• Greek pita bread; choose soft, fresh pitas for the best results
• Tzatziki sauce; this cucumber-yogurt sauce is the star of the show
• Feta cheese (crumbled); adds that signature tangy, salty flavor
• Extra virgin olive oil; for brushing the pita

Fresh Vegetables:

• Fresh cucumbers (thinly sliced); provides that essential crunch
• Ripe tomatoes (sliced); use Roma tomatoes for less water content
• Red onion (thinly sliced); soak in cold water to reduce sharpness
• Kalamata olives (sliced); for authentic Greek flavor
• Crisp lettuce (shredded); romaine works best
• Roasted red peppers (sliced); adds sweetness and color

See recipe card for quantities.

Instructions

Prepare Your Ingredients

1. Slice all your fresh vegetables thinly and evenly
2. Pat the cucumber and tomato slices dry with paper towels to prevent soggy sandwiches
3. Soak the red onion slices in ice water for 10 minutes, then drain well
4. Crumble your feta cheese if using a block
5. If making homemade tzatziki, prepare it first and let it chill

Warm the Pita Bread

1. Heat a dry skillet over medium heat
2. Brush each pita lightly with olive oil on both sides
3. Warm each pita for 30 seconds per side until soft and pliable
4. Keep warm pitas wrapped in a clean kitchen towel to maintain softness
5. Don't overheat or they'll become crispy instead of soft

Build Your Sandwich

1. Lay your warm pita flat on a clean surface
2. Spread a generous layer of tzatziki sauce down the center
3. Add your choice of protein (chicken souvlaki, gyro meat, or falafel)
4. Layer the fresh cucumbers, tomatoes, and lettuce on top
5. Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese and sliced Kalamata olives
6. Add roasted red peppers and red onion slices
7. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs and a drizzle of olive oil

Wrap and Serve

1. Slice in half diagonally for easier eating
2. Fold the bottom of the pita up about 2 inches to create a seal
3. Fold one side over the filling
4. Roll tightly from one side to the other, keeping the bottom fold secure
5. Wrap the bottom half in parchment paper or foil to hold everything together

Expert Cooking Tips

Perfecting Your Pita

• The key to an amazing sandwich starts with proper pita handling. Never use cold pita straight from the package; it will crack and tear when you try to fold it. Always warm your pita bread gently to make it pliable and easier to work with.

Sauce Distribution

• Spread your tzatziki sauce or hummus all the way to the edges of the pita. This creates a moisture barrier that prevents the bread from getting soggy while adding flavor to every bite. Don't be shy with the sauce; it's what makes this sandwich authentically Greek.

Vegetable Prep Matters

• Always pat your tomatoes and cucumbers dry before adding them
• Cut vegetables in uniform sizes for even distribution
• Remove excess seeds from tomatoes to reduce moisture
• Let onions soak in cold water to mellow their sharp bite

Temperature Control

• Serve proteins warm but vegetables cold for the best contrast. The combination of hot grilled chicken with cool, crisp vegetables and tangy sauce is what makes this sandwich special. If meal prepping, keep components separate and assemble just before eating.

Folding Technique

• Master the wrap technique by practicing the fold-and-roll method. Start with a smaller amount of filling until you get comfortable with the folding process. Too much filling will make your sandwich impossible to eat without everything falling out.

Recipe Variations & Substitutions

Protein Alternatives

• While chicken souvlaki is traditional, you have endless options. Try pork gyro for a more authentic Greek experience, or use lamb pita wrap for rich, savory flavor. For vegetarian options, falafel pita sandwich works beautifully, providing protein and texture. Grilled halloumi cheese is another fantastic vegetarian choice that adds a satisfying chew.

Sauce Variations

• Beyond traditional tzatziki sauce, experiment with different spreads. Hummus adds creaminess and works perfectly for vegan versions. Mix Greek yogurt sauce with fresh dill and lemon for a lighter option. Some people love adding a spicy harissa spread for heat, while others prefer a simple drizzle of tahini.

Dietary Modifications

• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flatbread or wrap in large lettuce leaves
• Keto/Low-Carb: Skip the pita entirely and make a Greek salad wrap using romaine lettuce
• Vegan: Replace feta with cashew cheese and use hummus instead of tzatziki
• High-Protein: Double the chicken souvlaki and add chickpeas

Creative Twists

• Add Mediterranean herbs like fresh mint or basil for extra brightness. Include marinated artichoke hearts for additional texture. Some variations include a thin layer of eggplant spread or add pickled turnips for that authentic Middle Eastern street food vibe. You can even add french fries inside the pita like they do in Greece for extra indulgence.

Equipment Recommendations

• Large skillet or griddle; essential for warming pita bread and cooking proteins evenly
• Sharp chef's knife; makes vegetable prep quick and easy
• Cutting board; preferably separate ones for vegetables and proteins
• Mixing bowls; for preparing tzatziki and marinating proteins
• Tongs; helpful for flipping pita and handling hot ingredients
• Parchment paper or foil; keeps your Greek Sandwich Recipe wrapped and mess-free
• Mandoline slicer (optional); creates perfectly thin, even vegetable slices

Storage & Meal Prep Tips

Make-Ahead Strategy

• Prepare all your components separately and store them in airtight containers. Cook and slice your chicken souvlaki up to 3 days in advance. Chop vegetables the night before, but keep cucumbers and tomatoes separate to prevent excess moisture. Make tzatziki sauce up to 5 days ahead; the flavor actually improves as it sits.

Proper Storage

• Store assembled sandwiches wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or foil for up to 4 hours in the refrigerator. For best results, pack components separately and assemble just before eating. Keep wet ingredients like tomatoes and sauce separate until the last minute to prevent soggy pita.

Freezing Options

• While fresh is best, you can freeze cooked proteins for up to 3 months. Freeze gyro meat or grilled chicken in portion-sized bags for easy thawing. Never freeze assembled sandwiches or fresh vegetables, as they'll become watery and unappetizing. Pita bread freezes wonderfully; just thaw at room temperature and warm before using.

FAQ

Bringing Mediterranean Flavors Home

Making this Greek Sandwich Recipe at home gives you restaurant-quality results without the hefty price tag. The fresh ingredients and simple preparation make it perfect for busy weeknights or weekend meal prep. Once you master this Greek Sandwich Recipe, you'll find yourself making it again and again.

This sandwich pairs wonderfully with other Mediterranean favorites. Try serving it alongside our Pesto Chicken Wrap Recipe for a complete lunch spread, or make our Mushroom Rice Pilaf Recipe as a hearty side dish. The beauty of this Greek Sandwich Recipe lies in its simplicity and the way fresh, quality ingredients shine through. Give it a try this week, and bring the taste of the Mediterranean to your kitchen.

With love from my kitchen to yours
By Lisa Johnson ✨

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